Guest Column: “We Don’t Have to Say Goodbye, We Just Can’t Get Lost in Time"

Editor's Note: Alicia McEnearney is a junior at Loyola University Maryland and a devoted Yellowcard fan. She had a chance to see the band play on their final world tour this fall.

On November 15th 2016, the band known as Yellowcard performed at Baltimore Sound Stage in Baltimore, Maryland. This concert was one stop among many on their Final World Tour performances. The band’s set list consisted of around 22 songs along with the two encores of "Only One" and the popular song, "Ocean Avenue" which seemed to please the crowd of fans. This tour is very memorable because it is Yellowcard’s final tour before the band parts ways. A little background history about the band may clarify how sad their ending is. The band has been together since 1997. The name was chosen because of party fouls at high school parties they attended, if someone did not follow the rules the person would receive a “yellow card.” The members of Yellowcard have known each other since high school and have come a long way. Some members have come and gone and others remain but that does not mean it is a different Yellowcard. It is respectable to see them go because they have made a lasting impact on the punk industry. Instead of mourning the loss we must celebrate and reminisce with the music they’ve provided throughout the years.

It was an honor to be able to attend such a concert because the songs were a variety of several albums. Many songs Yellowcard performed were from old albums they first produced such as One for the Kids, this along with other albums released between 1997-2002 had led the part of the revolution that is the punk industry. To quote lead singer Ryan Keys “I want to thank you all. For those who were here since the beginning, whether your jam was Ocean Avenue in the third grade or those who found us even after that. Thank you for your support.” The members of Yellowcard have always made it clear that their fans are more than fans but rather family.

Often when someone talks about Yellowcard it is key that people mention they released the album Ocean Avenue. That particular song Ocean Avenue was the real break out song for the band which was released in 2003. Prior to that album they had been going through a rough patch as a band and trying to figure out what they wanted to write but then they just found their sound and took off.

The Final Tour can only be described as a reflection of the history of Yellowcard. Within each song the riffs rang out and was a tally mark on the history of the band’s timeline. The crowd was full of both older and younger fans. There were a few stories being told about the first time people saw Yellowcard or how much the band has helped them or changed their lives. Within the exchanging of stories and excitement people made friends with people around them.

Something in particular that was incredible was that there was a woman in the crowd that had been to one show of every single Yellowcard tour. She is a very good friend of the band and has been one of their biggest supporters throughout the years they have been a band. The band had been the woman’s support throughout the years as well, this is how much the band can impact someone.

Yellowcard fan, Tom Carrozza, summarized the concert perfectly “It could not have a more perfect set list. The band was so in tune with the crowd.” This was true while watching everyone’s faces as the band flowed from one song into the next. They put their hearts and souls into each song.

I personally want to thank Yellowcard for their years of music and strength provided through not only their lyrics but who each member is as a person. As sad as it is to see Yellowcard come to an end, it’s understandable it’s time for them to move on to another chapter in life. Thank you Yellowcard. Rest in Peace.

#Yellowcard #ConcertReview